Swissôtel Nankai Osaka - Luxury hotel - Seasonal Events & Festivals

There’s always something to celebrate in Japan – with festivals and events happening year round. Take advantage and enjoy festival snacks, witness parades or secure your lucky charm!

 

 

SPRING

 

CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING (end of March-beginning of April)

Do as the locals do with a picnic under the sakura tree. Hanami parties are ideal on a perfect spring day – bring your mat and snacks for a moment in the outdoors amidst a shade of pinks and whites. Click on each location for details on how to get there from the hotel.

• Osaka Castle
• Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
• Osaka Mint Bureau
• Ryokuchi-koen Park
• Kema Sakuranomiya Park

 

STRAWBERRY PICKING (from early January)

Strawberry Farm Haru

Reservations Required
Discover More Here
Operating Hours: 10.00 am – 1.00 pm (irregular holidays)

 

 

SUMMER

 

TENJIN MATSURI (July 24 and 25)

One of Osaka’s most famous and vibrant festivals dedicated for the deity of scholarship and learning. Try local snacks from one of the street vendors, witness the boat procession along the O-River, and be in awe of the fireworks.

Discover More Here

 

 

YATAKABUNE RIVER CRUISE

Enjoy a kaiseki meal and on-board karaoke while looking over the river.

Reservations Required, up to 50 persons in a boat
Operating Hours: 11.00 am – 10.00 pm (last reservation 7.00 pm)
Discover More Here
Boarding Point: Hachikenyahama Pier
By train: 20 minutes
By taxi: 20 minutes

How to Get There: Click Here

 

OTHER SUMMER FESTIVALS AROUND OSAKA

• 30 June – 1 July: Aizen Festival
• 1 July – 31 July: Gion Matsuri
• August: Summer Sonic Music Festival

 

 

AUTUMN

 

MINOO FALLS (November to mid-December)

Apart from spring, autumn in Osaka is one of the most sought after periods to visit due to the autumn foliage. Appreciate the maple leaves along a 45-minute hike and be rewarded with the relaxing sounds of the waterfall. Don’t forget to pass by Ryuanji Temple on the way up!

Minami Mow Tip: The Park is ideal for picnics, or for a quick treat as you walk your way around the park. Pass by Swiss Gourmet at the hotel’s 6F Lobby for some snacks to take with you, and find your own bench at Minoo Park as you rest!

By train: 1 hour 25 minutes

By taxi: 45 minutes

How to Get There: Click Here

 

 

HALLOWEEN AT TRIANGLE PARK AND DOTONBORI

Halloween is one of the biggest Western-influenced celebrations in Japan, and Osaka does not fall short of celebrations. Locals get dressed and walk around the streets of Amerikamura and Dotonbori on the 31st of October and the weekend nearest Halloween, eventually converging at the Triangle Park or the Dotonbori Bridge. Take photos and go for a drink in one of the local bars or clubs where the party continues on.

By foot: 15 minutes

Triangle Park – How To Get There: Click Here

Dotonbori – How to Get There: Click Here

 

OTHER AUTUMN FESTIVALS AROUND OSAKA:

• 16 – 17 September: Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

How To Get There: Click Here

 

 

WINTER

 

FESTIVAL OF THE LIGHTS IN OSAKA: MIDOSUJI ILLUMINATION (early November-late December)

Stretches to roughly four kilometres from Namba to Umeda, Midosuji Avenue’s gingko trees come alive with a path of lights bathing the street.

By foot: 2 minutes (illumination starts in front of Namba Hiroba, right along Midosuji Avenue)

How To Get There: Click Here

 

GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET AT UMEDA SKY BUILDING

Indulge in Christmas-themed meals and snacks while the kids enjoy the vintage carousel, or make your way around the booths offering souvenir items.

By train: 24 minutes
By taxi: 18 minutes

How to Get There: Click Here

OTHER WINTER FESTIVALS AROUND OSAKA:

• 9 – 11 January: Toka Ebisu
• 14 January: Doya Doya